18 Best Business Movies You Need to Watch

Business movies can be a great source of inspiration for entrepreneurs. Whether you are starting a new business or looking to improve your existing one, watching movies about business can provide valuable lessons and insights. In this article, we will explore the 18 best business movies that every entrepreneur should watch.

These movies cover a range of topics, from the rise of tech giants to the world of finance and the struggles of small business owners. They offer a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that come with entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of leadership, innovation, and perseverance. By watching these movies, you can learn from the successes and failures of others and apply these lessons to your own business ventures.

So, grab some popcorn and get ready to be inspired by the best business movies out there. Whether you are looking for motivation, ideas, or just a good story, these movies are sure to deliver.

The Rise of the Corporate Empire

The portrayal of business and corporate culture in movies has been a source of fascination for audiences for decades. From the cutthroat world of Wall Street to the inner workings of a corporation, movies have depicted the highs and lows of the business world. This section will explore two movies that have captured the essence of the corporate empire.

1 – Wall Street and the Portrayal of Greed

Oliver Stone’s 1987 movie “Wall Street” starring Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen is a classic tale of greed and ambition. The movie follows the story of a young stockbroker, Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), who is desperate to make it big on Wall Street. He becomes involved with the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), who teaches him the ins and outs of insider trading.

The movie is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of power. It portrays Wall Street as a place where anything goes, and where the pursuit of wealth and success can lead to moral bankruptcy. The movie’s iconic line, “Greed is good,” has become a cultural touchstone for the excesses of the 1980s.

2 – The Corporation: Ethics in Business

“The Corporation” is a 2003 documentary that explores the history and impact of corporations on society. The movie examines the legal and economic framework that allows corporations to operate, and the impact they have on the environment, workers, and consumers.

The movie argues that corporations are psychopathic entities that are driven solely by profit and have no regard for human welfare. It examines the ethical implications of corporate behaviour and the role of government in regulating corporate activity.

“The Corporation” is a thought-provoking movie that challenges the viewer to consider the impact of corporate power on society. It is a sobering reminder that the pursuit of profit can come at a great cost to the environment and human welfare.

Overall, these movies provide a window into the world of business and the corporate empire. They explore the motivations of those who seek power and wealth, and the impact they have on society.

Biographical Narratives of Iconic Figures

Business biopics are a great way to learn about the lives and careers of some of the most iconic figures in the business world. Here are three must-watch movies that tell the stories of some of the most influential businesspeople of our time.

3 – Steve Jobs: The Man Behind Apple

One of the most popular biographical movies of all time, “Steve Jobs” portrays the life and career of the late Apple co-founder. The film takes us through Jobs’ journey from a college dropout to one of the most innovative and successful entrepreneurs of our time. Directed by Danny Boyle, the movie is a gripping account of Jobs’ life, with Michael Fassbender delivering a powerful performance in the lead role.

4 – The Aviator: Howard Hughes’ Ambition

“The Aviator” is a biographical drama that tells the story of Howard Hughes, the eccentric billionaire who made his fortune in the aviation industry. The movie follows Hughes’ life from the 1920s to the 1940s, chronicling his many achievements and struggles along the way. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role, “The Aviator” is a compelling portrayal of one of the most fascinating figures in American history.

5 – Ray Kroc and The Founder’s Story

“The Founder” is a biographical drama that tells the story of Ray Kroc, the man behind the global fast-food chain McDonald’s. The movie follows Kroc’s journey from a struggling milkshake machine salesman to the head of one of the most successful fast-food chains in the world. Directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Michael Keaton in the lead role, “The Founder” is a fascinating look at the life and career of one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time.

These three biopics offer a unique insight into the lives of some of the most influential businesspeople of our time. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply interested in the stories behind some of the world’s most successful companies, these movies are a must-watch.

Real-Life Stories of Struggle and Success

Movies that depict real-life stories of struggle and success are always inspiring. They show that with hard work, perseverance, and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. Here are two such movies that are a must-watch for anyone looking for inspiration.

6 – The Pursuit of Happyness: From Homelessness to Success

“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a movie based on the real-life story of Chris Gardner, a man who went from being homeless to becoming a successful stockbroker. The movie stars Will Smith as Chris Gardner and his son, Jaden Smith, as his son, Christopher.

The movie shows the struggles that Chris Gardner faced as a homeless salesman with a young son to take care of. Despite the odds stacked against him, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a stockbroker. He worked hard, studied, and eventually landed an internship at a prestigious brokerage firm. The movie is a testament to the rags-to-riches American dream and the power of perseverance.

7 – Joy: Crafting an Empire

“Joy” is another movie based on a real-life story. It tells the story of Joy Mangano, a divorced mother of two who invented the Miracle Mop and went on to build a business empire. The movie stars Jennifer Lawrence as Joy and features a star-studded cast that includes Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper.

The movie shows the struggles that Joy faced as a woman in business and the challenges she had to overcome to get her product to market. Despite facing numerous setbacks and obstacles, she never gave up on her dream and eventually built a successful business empire. The movie is a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and determination.

Both “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Joy” are inspiring movies that show that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. They are a must-watch for anyone looking for inspiration or a reminder that anything is possible with the right mindset and attitude.

The World of Finance and Its Complexities

The world of finance is a complex and dynamic one, with a myriad of factors that can impact the global economy. It is a world that is often shrouded in secrecy and mystique, with complex financial instruments and jargon that can be difficult for the layperson to understand.

8 – The Big Short: The 2008 Financial Crisis

One of the most significant events in recent financial history was the 2008 financial crisis, which had far-reaching consequences for the global economy. The housing market crash was a significant driver of the crisis, with many financial institutions engaging in risky lending practices that ultimately led to a collapse in the market.

The Big Short is a film that explores the events leading up to the crisis, highlighting the role that financial fraud and corruption played in the collapse of the market. The film follows a group of investors who saw the writing on the wall and bet against the market, ultimately profiting from the crisis.

9 – Margin Call: The Ethical Dilemmas of Wall Street

Margin Call is a film that explores the ethical dilemmas faced by those working in the world of finance, particularly on Wall Street. The film takes place over the course of 24 hours, as a group of traders and executives at a large investment bank grapple with the consequences of their actions.

The film highlights the tension between the pursuit of profit and the need to act ethically and responsibly. It examines the complex financial instruments used by banks and the potential risks associated with them.

In conclusion, the world of finance is a complex and multifaceted one, with many factors that can impact the global economy. Films like The Big Short and Margin Call provide a glimpse into this world, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and complex financial instruments that are often used in the pursuit of profit.

Entrepreneurs and the Spirit of Innovation

Entrepreneurs have always been at the forefront of innovation. They are the ones who come up with new ideas, take risks, and turn their dreams into reality. Business movies often showcase the spirit of innovation that drives entrepreneurs to succeed. In this section, we will look at two movies that capture the essence of entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Social Network is a movie about the birth of Facebook and the people behind it. The movie follows Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, and his co-founder Eduardo Saverin, played by Andrew Garfield, as they create the world’s largest social network. The movie showcases the innovative spirit that drove Zuckerberg to create Facebook and the challenges he faced along the way.

One of the key takeaways from the movie is the importance of having a vision. Zuckerberg had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve with Facebook. He saw the potential of social networking and was determined to make it a reality. This vision helped him overcome the obstacles he faced and ultimately led to the success of Facebook.

The Glamour and Dark Sides of Business

Business has been a popular theme in movies for decades. From the glamour of Wall Street to the dark side of greed and corruption, filmmakers have explored every facet of the business world. Here are two movies that delve into the excess and ambition of the business world.

11 – The Wolf of Wall Street: Excess and Ambition

“The Wolf of Wall Street” is a 2013 movie directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, a former stockbroker who made millions through fraudulent means. The movie portrays the excess and ambition of Belfort and his associates, who engage in illegal activities to achieve their financial goals.

Belfort’s character is portrayed as a charismatic and ambitious businessman who is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. The movie shows how he builds his empire and the consequences of his actions. “The Wolf of Wall Street” is a cautionary tale of the dangers of greed and excess in the business world.

12 – Boiler Room: The Seduction of Quick Money

“Boiler Room” is a 2000 movie directed by Ben Younger and starring Giovanni Ribisi and Vin Diesel. The movie is about a group of young stockbrokers who work for a small firm that engages in fraudulent activities. The movie explores the seduction of quick money and the consequences of unethical behaviour in the business world.

The movie portrays the characters as ambitious and eager to succeed, but also vulnerable to the temptations of greed and corruption. The movie is a cautionary tale of the dangers of unethical behaviour in the business world. It shows how easy it is to get caught up in the allure of quick money and the consequences that come with it.

In conclusion, movies about the business world have been popular for decades. They explore the glamour and dark sides of business, and the consequences of greed and corruption. “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Boiler Room” are two movies that delve into the excess and ambition of the business world and serve as cautionary tales of the dangers of unethical behaviour in the business world.

Sport, Management, and Marketing Insights

13 – Moneyball: The Analytics of Sports Management

Moneyball is a movie based on the true story of the Oakland Athletics baseball team and their general manager, Billy Beane. The movie showcases how Beane used data and analytics to build a competitive team on a limited budget. The movie highlights how data analysis can be used to make informed decisions in sports management. The concept of data-driven decision making is not only applicable in sports management but also in business. Companies can use data and analytics to make informed decisions, just like Beane did.

14 – Jerry Maguire: The Life of a Sports Agent

Jerry Maguire is a movie that follows the life of a sports agent, Jerry Maguire, played by Tom Cruise. The movie highlights the importance of relationships and trust in sports management. Maguire’s relationship with his client, Rod Tidwell, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., is a testament to how important trust is in sports management. The movie also highlights the importance of having a moral compass in business.

The movie showcases how Maguire’s moral epiphany led him to start his own agency, where he could focus on building relationships with his clients. This is a valuable lesson for businesses in any industry. Building strong relationships with clients is essential for long-term success. The movie also highlights the importance of having a clear vision and mission for a business.

In conclusion, Moneyball and Jerry Maguire are two movies that provide valuable insights into sports management and business. Moneyball showcases how data and analytics can be used to make informed decisions, while Jerry Maguire highlights the importance of relationships, trust, and having a moral compass in business. These lessons are applicable not only in sports management but also in any business.

The Interplay of Business and Personal Growth

Business is not just about making money. It’s about personal growth, learning, and development. Some of the best business movies explore the interplay between business and personal growth. Here are two of the best movies that do just that.

15 – The Intern: Learning Across Generations

In “The Intern,” a retired executive becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site. He forms a close bond with the company’s founder and learns valuable lessons about business and life. The movie explores the theme of learning across generations. The retired executive learns about the latest technology and social media trends, while the young founder learns about leadership, mentorship, and the value of experience.

The movie highlights the importance of mentoring and lifelong learning. It shows that no matter how old you are, there is always something new to learn. The retired executive is able to use his experience to help the company, while the young founder is able to use his energy and enthusiasm to drive the company forward.

16 – The Devil Wears Prada: A Lesson in Planning and Perseverance

“The Devil Wears Prada” is a movie about a young woman who lands a job as an assistant to a powerful fashion magazine editor. She struggles to keep up with the demands of her job and the high-pressure fashion industry. The movie explores the theme of planning and perseverance. The assistant learns to plan her time and prioritize her tasks in order to meet the demands of her job. She also learns to persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks.

The movie highlights the importance of planning and perseverance in business. It shows that success often requires hard work, dedication, and resilience. The assistant is able to overcome the challenges of her job and emerge stronger and more confident.

Both “The Intern” and “The Devil Wears Prada” offer valuable lessons about business and personal growth. They show that success in business requires not only knowledge and skill but also personal growth, learning, and development.

Cultural Impact and Business in Cinema

Business movies have become a popular genre in cinema, providing a glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship, corporate culture, and the art of persuasion. These films not only entertain but also educate and inspire audiences. In this section, we will explore two business movies that have had a significant cultural impact.

17 – Thank You for Smoking: The Art of Persuasion

Thank You for Smoking, directed by Jason Reitman, is a satirical look at the world of big business and tobacco. The film follows the exploits of Nick Naylor, a smoking lobbyist played by Aaron Eckhart, as he tries to convince the American public to make smoking popular again. The movie is a masterclass in the art of persuasion, as Naylor uses his charm, wit, and cunning to win over his opponents.

The film has had a significant cultural impact, sparking debates about the ethics of lobbying and the influence of big business on public opinion. It has also been praised for its sharp writing, witty dialogue, and excellent performances. Thank You for Smoking is a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of persuasion and the power of advertising.

18 – Up in the Air: The Human Side of Business

Up in the Air, directed by Jason Reitman, is a poignant exploration of the human side of business. The film follows Ryan Bingham, played by George Clooney, a corporate downsizer who travels the country firing people. Bingham is a lonely, detached figure who finds solace in his frequent flyer miles and his philosophy of living a life free of emotional attachments.

The movie is a powerful commentary on the impact of corporate downsizing on people’s lives and the emotional toll it takes on those who have to deliver the bad news. It has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of the human side of business and its excellent performances, particularly by Clooney and Vera Farmiga.

Overall, Thank You for Smoking and Up in the Air are two excellent examples of the cultural impact of business movies. They offer a unique perspective on the world of entrepreneurship and corporate culture, and they are a must-watch for anyone interested in these topics.

Additional Resources for Business Enthusiasts

Books, Podcasts, and Documentaries on Business

Aside from movies, there are several other resources that business enthusiasts can explore to gain more knowledge and insights. Here are some recommended books, podcasts, and documentaries on business:

Books

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries – This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to start a business. It teaches you how to build a successful startup using a scientific product development approach.
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins – This book explores why some companies make the leap from good to great, while others don’t. It provides valuable insights on how to build a successful business that can sustain long-term growth.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey – This book teaches you how to become more effective in your personal and professional life. It provides practical advice on how to develop good habits that can help you achieve your goals.

Podcasts

“The Tim Ferriss Show” – This podcast features interviews with successful entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists. It provides valuable insights on how to achieve success in different fields.
“How I Built This” – This podcast features interviews with founders of successful companies. It provides valuable insights on how to build a successful business from scratch.
“The GaryVee Audio Experience” – This podcast features talks by Gary Vaynerchuk, a successful entrepreneur and investor. It provides valuable insights on how to build a successful business in the digital age.

Documentaries

“Inside Job” – This documentary explores the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath. It provides valuable insights on the crisis’s causes and its impact on the global economy.
“Fyre Festival” – This documentary explores the failed music festival organized by Billy McFarland. It provides valuable insights on the importance of proper planning and execution in business.
“The Last Days of Lehman Brothers” – This documentary explores the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. It provides valuable insights on the impact of the financial crisis on the banking industry.

In addition to the above resources, there are several other books, podcasts, and documentaries on business that business enthusiasts can explore. By gaining more knowledge and insights, they can improve their chances of success in the business world.